SUMMARY
What a clash this promises to be. The Crows' 5-0 win/loss record is the best start in club history, while the Tigers will be searching for their first 6-0 start since 1995. The Crows easily disposed of Gold Coast by 67 points at Metricon Stadium last Saturday, despite losing All-Australian defender Daniel Talia in the opening minutes of the game with a hamstring injury. The Crows have the most potent attack in the competition featuring Eddie Betts, skipper Taylor Walker and Tom Lynch, while gun midfielder Rory Sloane continues to show why he will be a Brownlow Medal contender this year. Led wonderfully by six-goal hero Jack Riewoldt, the Tigers staged an epic comeback to defeat Melbourne by 13 points on Monday night. The Tigers have surprised everyone with their magnificent start to the season, but this will be their biggest test so far.
WHERE AND WHEN: Adelaide Oval, Sunday, April 30, 4.10pm ACST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R3, 2016, Adelaide Crows 19.14 (128) d Richmond 13.14 (92) at Etihad Stadium
R19, 2015, Adelaide Crows 11.22 (88) d Richmond 8.4 (52) at Adelaide Oval
R21, 2014, Richmond 10.19 (79) d Adelaide Crows 9.15 (69) at Adelaide Oval
R12, 2013, Richmond 16.14 (110) d Adelaide Crows 10.12 (72) at the MCG
R14, 2012, Adelaide Crows 17.4 (106) d Richmond 13.9 (87) at AAMI Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Despite Adelaide's win in round three last year, the Tigers had the advantage in several key areas, including disposals (410 to 368), marks (123 to 88), marks inside 50 (15-4) and took 14 more contested marks. The Crows shared the load in attack, with Eddie Betts, Taylor Walker and Richard Douglas kicking three goals each.
2. Adelaide's attack is firing on all cylinders. For the second year in a row, they are the highest-scoring side in the competition, averaging 133 points per game. They've reached triple-figures in all five games and in the past two weeks, have booted a combined 47 goals while conceding only 26.
3. The Crows have a clear edge on the Tigers in all-time meetings between the two clubs, winning 22 of their 34 encounters. But it's a different story since 2011, with the honours shared at three wins each.
4. The Crows are ranked No.1 in the competition for contested possessions with 155.6 per game, while the Tigers are seventh at 149.2. However, the Tigers are last in the League for uncontested possessions.
5. Adelaide and Richmond have met twice at Adelaide Oval for one win each. Overall, the Tigers have won two of their five games at the venue.
6. Adelaide star Rory Sloane is at a career-high in rankings points on the Schick AFL Player Ratings. Sloane has 618.9 points and is ranked fourth in the competition, after starting the season eighth. Dustin Martin is the highest-ranked Richmond player at 20th overall.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Kyle Hartigan
The under-rated defender will get the job on in-form Tigers spearhead Jack Riewoldt if Daniel Talia is ruled out with a hamstring injury. Hartigan did a great negating role on Gold Coast star Tom Lynch last weekend, keeping him to two goals, and has shown he is capable of stepping up to the task.
PREDICTION: Adelaide by 28 points.
